Starlit Adventures: Golden Stars (REVIEW)

Starlit Adventures, for those of you who don't yet know, was originally a mobile or iOS game that made it to the PS4, and other platforms a few years back. It was inspired by games like Dig Dug, and used a collect-a-thon setup as it's core gameplay feature. Though the game was free to play on all platforms prior to the release of this full non-monetized version certain features were locked behind a grind, and a paywall. Namely the premium suits or costumes that could be used by the two protagonists that you play as. The rest of the game, and modes of play were available though making the experience worthwhile as the suits you could buy were not mandatory for experiencing a full playthrough.

While there is a story mode, and an obvious story going on in Starlit Adventure's world it's not shown in-game, clearly. What you need to know in regards to the story is that Bo & Kikki are the heroes of the tale, and that they are out to collect, and restore the stars taken by a three-eyed villain named Naru who stole it from a tribe of star nosed creatures. It is this end goal of star recovery which is the basis for the gameplay loop found within the game's three modes of play.

In 'Starlit Adventures: Golden Stars' gameplay is divided up into three main modes of play with similar objectives. This includes a story, challenge, and infinite tower mode. You'll find that the story mode alone covers multiple stages set in several named, and themed locations. At the end of which is a boss fight that must be beat to unlock the next area, and it's set of stages. Basic stage playthroughs in story mode, as they were, are a score based undertaking in which you'll be digging, and looting maze-like depths that house various types of loot, and hazards. You'll find that digging, and destroying blocks banks you points. That collecting gemstones banks you points, and that killing enemies banks you even more score. Block clearing, and enemy killing can both be combo'd to further increase scoring potential. Sometimes you can even use blocks or hazards to kill and combo enemies for extra points.

While scoring is a key feature to gameplay, and allows you to level up via XP for a bonus chance at the game's unlockable gallery content, it is not the main goal in each stage. You will have to find three stars in each stage, some of which requires certain suits to reach. Suits in particular have their own unique abilities that will allow you to breach certain parts of the stage easier, and deal with enemies easier. Things like time bombs, and electro-magnetic electricity come to mind. In collecting the stars in each stage you will fully complete said stage, and unlock the next in line. Along with that you'll find secret sticker packs which can be placed in the main menu album, or traded for new sticker packs if you collect ten duplicates. This is the game's alternative goal, and gifts the gamer completed artistic pictures of characters, and creatures found within the game. Much like a sticker album would. Finding a hidden key in a stage, and opening the end treasure chest is also a side goal worth noting as it will score you some gems which will in turn boost your score, and XP gain.

Similar to the story mode is a "Challenge" mode which will have you playing through a familiar, but tougher set of stages for the same end goals. The catch is each challenge set is either suit, boss, or seasonal in nature. You'll find challenge stages pertaining to suit types, and gimmicks revolving around things like free falling or Christmas. It's very similar to the core story mode, but with specific rules. Lastly is the 'Infinite Tower' mode. This is basically what it sounds like. It is a roguelike infinite version of the core gameplay design with randomized tower builds. It will have you picking three different suits at the start, and when you reach a certain depth, and hit a certain marker it will change the suit you currently have with another you've chosen. Making your choice of suits important for progression. Progression itself is counted in yards, and the deeper you go the better your score. The big catch with this being that this is a one, and done deal. Meaning that getting hit once by enemy or hazard will spell GAME OVER. In a way it's a tougher challenge than the challenge mode is. It also adds replay beyond the two limited main modes.

For an added bonus you'll be unlocking achievements which will grant you bonus XP that can be used to gain access to bonus stages that house a sticker pack. The bonus stages feature three digging routes that all lead to a sticker pack. Theory is that one route will grant you secret items if you pick correctly.

The Verdict ...

I liked Starlit Adventures back when it was on the PS4. It's a solid arcade high scoring game that definitely has it's retro inspirations. The art style, music, and gameplay elements all come together in a complimentary fashion fitting of such an inspired game. While it definitely pays homage to the classics the game still stands alone as unique. Thankfully with this version the free to play features are done away with, and you gain access to all suits. As such this is the ultimate version of Starlit Adventures, and for the price it is definitely worth adding to your Nintendo Switch library, especially with the added replay value provided by infinite tower mode. It gets my seal of approval!